VE-130 Circassian Walnut Value?

[antique1973]

I have a crack at this machine so I am wondering if you guys can
help estimate the current market value. The finish is "sought after"
although it is electric. Thanks!

[bbphonoguy]

I think the electric motor actually makes it even more desirable.

[SonnyPhono]

I would say somewhere in the ballpark of $4,995 or best offer.

Here's another 130 in mahogany available for $450.

[Jerry B.]

A word of caution... Make sure the cabinet is Circassian and not American walnut. It seems like I read somewhere that Circassian was difficult to obtain because of WW-1 and the Russian Revolution and very few machines were finished with Circassian after those dates. I pulled out Baumbach's "Victor Data Book" and on page 175 it states that the VE-130 was introduced to the trade in 1921 and available in mahogany, oak, and American Walnut. I think it's doubtful that the machine in question is Circassian and sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
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At Union for the last several years there has been a Victrola XVII or 130 in walnut for sale. The seller insists that it's Circassian but I and many others believe it's American walnut. It makes a huge difference in value because collectors have assigned a premium to Circassian over American walnut even though both had the same additional cost to the original buyer.
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Just because the seller says it's Circassian does not make it a fact. It could very possibly be highly figured American walnut.
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Before the current economic downfall, I would have assigned the following values for a Victrola XVI in good shape: mahogany-$600, oak-$800, American walnut-$1200, and Circassian walnut-$4000. (Those are ballpark values and I know there were special oak finishes with higher values and painted finishes, etc.)
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Jerry Blais

[Jerry B.]

An interesting side story... A couple of years ago, just before Union, I heard there was an American Walnut XVII for sale at a Portland, Oregon antique shop and the asking price was $950. That year three of my phono buddies were driving with me to Union so I called to find out more about the Victrola. All three said the same thing... they were saving their money for Union. One of them knew the dealer so I asked if he would ask about a cash price. The best price was $800 so I quickly became the owner of a very nice Victrola XVII. Even in todays economy, I'd buy another excellent example for that price!

[Skihawx]

The lid inside looks like Circasian but the sides, I'm not sure. The paper
label on the inside usually say "American or Circassian Walnut" to distinguish the
higher price. In the early days dealers were not allowed to sell machines below
the manufactures retail price. I think the refinish job is a bigger detrement.

[gramophone78]

This machine is on Ebay or CL I can't remember. Be careful that it's not a scam. I have found six scams on ebay last week.So, they know what they have for sure.

[ColoradoPhonograf]

Here are a couple of pictures of an American walnut XVII that I own. This is an original finish machine. Under the lid looks very similar to the one for sale. Mine has highly figured "flaming" walnut on the front and sides. I would think Jerry is right in his assessment to be skeptical about the for sale machine being Circassian walnut.

WalnutVic17 002.jpg (225.99 KiB) Viewed 2580 times

WalnutVic17 004.jpg (220.79 KiB) Viewed 2580 times

[antique1973]

Have to run to work now, but here is the ebay listing. I did not realize it was on Ebay, found it on my local CL. Better pics here.


eBay Item #220707646770

[phonogfp]

I agree that it looks more like American Walnut. Still a VERY pretty Victrola, but it shouldn't command the premium that Circassian does.

George P.